While Kings deal with adversity, Blues deal with prosperity

Credit: Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 2: Chris Stewart #25 of the St. Louis Blues looses control of the puck against Justin Williams #14 of the Los Angeles Kings in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center on May 2, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Gallery

(HockeyStL) -- Any team in sports can say all the right things and play with desperation when their season is on the line. Dealing with adversity is about as common as games being played. Someone, somewhere is fighting for their hockey lives.

The Kings are that team here in Los Angeles. After the Blues took the first two games in St. Louis, the Kings have all the pressure in the world on them. They are the ones that have to win otherwise they'll be down three games to none.

The Blues? They're on the other side of the coin. They're learning to play with prosperity. They're the ones who are in control of the series and are looking for the knockout punch.

"Being able to close a series out is an important aspect that we have to get into our minds. It's hard. That's why it's the Stanley Cup playoffs," defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. "The first round, everyone says it's always the hardest. Teams are still fresh so they can come back and bite you from big deficits."

A win tonight in game three for the Blues would put the Kings in the exact same position they put every single opponent in last year. Down three games to none.